The region known as North Kohala on the northern tip of the Big Island and includes the towns of Kapaau and Hawi. A main attraction in Kapaau is the Statue of King Kamehameha I in front of the North Kohala Civic Center.
Also in north Kohala is the Birthplace of King Kamehameha I as well as the heiau (sacred place of worship) known as Mookini, one of Hawaii’s largest and oldest heiau. These two historic sites are part of the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument.
At Lapakahi State Historical Park in North Kohala you can take a self-guided tour of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. A drive on the scenic Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy. 250) leads through the upcountry between Waimea town and the North Kohala Mountains. This route provides scenic mountain vistas as well as amazing ocean views with the island of Maui in the distance.
At the end of the Akoni Pule Hwy. (Hwy. 270) in North Kohala is the Pololu Valley Overlook offering a nice view of the lush valley and the black sands of Pololu Beach. The trailhead down into the valley begins at the Overlook.